3 Cowboys-Giants bold predictions after Week 1 schedule release bombshell

The Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants have one of the most iconic rivalries in the NFL. Their rivalry has included some truly incredible moments, including Odell Beckham Jr.’s incredible one-handed catch that propelled him to stardom. NFL fans will not have to wait long before seeing this exciting matchup during the 2026 regular season.

The NFL announced on Monday that the Cowboys and Giants will open the season on Sunday Night Football, per Ari Meirov. This is the eighth time in the last 15 years that the Cowboys and Giants have faced off in Week 1. The last time it happened was in 2023, when the Cowboys crushed the Giants 40-0 on Sunday Night Football.

Both teams made some huge improvements during the 2026 offseason. That alone should guarantee some fireworks in Week 1, on top of the fact that this is a huge rivalry game.

But which team will come out on top in Week 1?

Here are three way-too-early predictions for Cowboys vs. Giants in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

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Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers don’t play, but New York’s offense still looks good

The Cowboys are lucky to get one game against the Giants out of the way in Week 1. New York is bound to improve during the regular season as their offense gets healthier. The biggest stories are two of their young star playmakers.

Both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo should start the season hobbled after suffering season-ending injuries in 2025.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh revealed some details on when both players could return. He explained that Skattebo should be ready far ahead of Nabers.

“Not too much,” Harbaugh said when asked about about Nabers and Skattebo’s estimated returns. “Skatt is probably gonna be ahead of Malik with that. I think you guys all know that. Skatt will probably get out there at some point in time … Malik is gonna be more toward into training camp and closer to the season. That’s more Malik’s timeline.”

Harbaugh’s comments are not a clear endorsement that either player will suit up in Week 1. In fact, Nabers was hesitant to make that promise for himself back in January. There is certainly a world where neither player suits up on Sunday Night Football.

But even if New York misses both players, their offense could still be dangerous. Jaxson Dart should be healthy and ready to build on the magic of his rookie season. He’ll have other offensive weapons to lean on, including Tyrone Tracy Jr., Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Isaiah Likely.

Let’s say the Giants rip off over 350 total yards on offense and score at least 20 points without Nabers and Skattebo.

Giants sack Dak Prescott five times thanks to elite pass rush unit

New York may not have Dexter Lawrence anymore, but their pass rush unit is still one of the best in the NFL on paper.

The Giants have a deep platoon of edge rushers with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter leading the way. They also spent a first-round pick on Arvell Reese, who can play both edge and off-ball linebacker. Those four players should give Harbaugh plenty of options on obvious passing downs.

New York did not have elite sack production in 2025, only managing 39 during the regular season. But the Giants were not always in the best position to pin their ears back and go after the opposing quarterback.

Ultimately, the addition of Harbaugh, Dart’s second season at quarterback, and improvements to the roster could put New York’s defense into better position more often during the 2026 season. And it all starts in Week 1.

If New York’s secondary can contain CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for a few seconds, then Dak Prescott could be in danger.

The Giants would almost certainly have a great chance to win this game if they can sack Prescott at least five times.

Cowboys win a tight one-score game thanks to defensive improvements

But the Giants are not the only ones who massively improved their defense this offseason. That award belongs to the Cowboys.

Dallas had a terrible defensive unit in 2025, but made a flurry of moves to improve that side of the ball. Adding defensive coordinator Christian Parker was big, as was the selection of safety Caleb Downs in the first round of the draft.

The Cowboys have some question marks at off-ball linebacker, but every other position includes both talent and depth. On paper, there are plenty of reasons to suspect the Cowboys will play much better defense in 2026.

To be clear, Dallas does not need to suddenly have an elite defense to become a contending team. In fact, the Cowboys could be dangerous as long as their defense performs like an average unit.

The most likely outcome in Week 1 is that Dallas wins a one-score game thanks to their improved defense. It certainly helps that New York may not be at full strength on offense.

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